Holstein 100 v.2006

[slinkedog]

I would REALLY like to get a different cassette in the back. I think I'm okay with my 30 in front, but right now my rear cassette is running a 12 x 27, which I realize is more granny than most have. I just changed it out last fall and haven't ridden it a ton yet.

I want to get strong and be able to do all those steep climbs with my current configuration, but I don't want to fry my knees. I'll keep thinking about it and looking for used mtb cassettes on craigslist and ebay.

[SadieKate]

12x27 is pretty standard these days with a triple. I don't think there should be a pride factor in what gear you use. I think you use the gears it takes to climb a hill and then buuild strength from there. Besides, there is no cookie cutter approach to gears, strength, leg leverage, crank length, etc., etc., etc. Your bike came equipped with whatever the manufacturer thought would work for the most people.

Besides, go find Yellow's Ode to her 27. That is a testiment to using gears as they were intended, not letting them use you.

[Veronica]

I have an 11 - 27 (I think) in the rear and a 48 - 36 - 24 front!

I am a big fan of not blowing out my knees. I pushed too big a gear on Sunday for the rollers out at Point Reyes and I paid for it on Monday! I don't ride a lot of rollers - everything I normally do is an extended climb and I just go down to the granny. Should have done that more.

V.